| Bret Hart | |
|---|---|
| Bret "The Hitman" Hart in 2023 |
Bret "The Hitman" Hart is a retired Canadian-American professional wrestler and member of the legendary Hart wrestling family. Known for his technical skill, storytelling, and pink-and-black ring gear, Bret Hart is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Early Life
- Born on July 2, 1957 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Son of wrestling legend Stu Hart, who trained Bret and his brothers in the infamous "Hart Dungeon"
- Began wrestling in his father’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling, in the late 1970s
WWE Career
- Joined WWE (then WWF) in 1984
- First gained prominence as a member of The Hart Foundation tag team with Jim Neidhart
- Later transitioned to a singles career, earning the nickname “The Excellence of Execution”
- Known for his precision, in-ring psychology, and methodical wrestling style
Achievements
- 5-time WWE Champion
- 2-time Intercontinental Champion
- 2-time Tag Team Champion
- King of the Ring winner (1991, 1993)
- Royal Rumble co-winner (1994)
- Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice:
- Individually (2006) - As part of The Hart Foundation (2019)
Montreal Screwjob
- In 1997, Bret was involved in one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history — the Montreal Screwjob
- Occurred at Survivor Series 1997, when Vince McMahon changed the match finish without Bret’s knowledge
- Led to Hart’s departure from WWE and move to WCW
WCW and Later Years
- Competed in WCW from 1997 to 2000, though his run was hindered by creative issues and injuries
- Suffered a career-ending concussion in 2000 and later experienced a stroke in 2002
- Returned to WWE in 2010 for closure, reconciliation, and brief in-ring appearances
Personal Life
- Known for advocating for wrestler safety and respect for the craft
- Active author and public speaker
- Brother to the late Owen Hart and uncle to several wrestlers
Legacy
- Revered for elevating technical wrestling in a larger-than-life era
- Influenced countless modern wrestlers including CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and Seth Rollins
- Remembered for classic matches with Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The British Bulldog, and more